UCLA Beats Oregon Despite QB Injury

UCLA remained undefeated with a 17-15 victory over No. 13 Oregon, overcoming a season-altering injury to starting quarterback Nico Iamaleava ^[2]. The Bruins were forced to turn to backup Ty Dieffenbach after Iamaleava left at halftime with a lower leg injury sustained late in the first half ^[1]. Iamaleava had completed 10 of 17 passes for 162 yards and thrown two interceptions, including one in the end zone, and lost a fumble at the 1-yard line, which led to Oregon’s only first-half touchdown. He briefly exited in the second quarter after being sandwiched between two defenders but did not return after halftime.

Dieffenbach, who transferred from Cal Poly and had not played in a game this season, made his debut in the second half. He completed 6 of 10 passes for 43 yards and threw a touchdown to Wayne Knight in the fourth quarter ^[2]. Knight, a key offensive weapon, rushed for 103 yards on 22 carries and caught a 9-yard touchdown pass, marking his 10th scoring run of the season. His two touchdowns were pivotal in UCLA’s narrow win.

The game was a turnover-fest, with 10 total turnovers—seven by Oregon ^[2]. Oregon’s starting quarterback, Dante Moore, remains in concussion protocol after being hit in a game against USC on Sept. 26 and left by ambulance. Backup Dylan Raiola started in his place, completing only six of 18 passes for 43 yards and two interceptions before being replaced in the fourth quarter by Brock Thomas. Thomas threw a 44-yard touchdown pass to Evan Stewart with 2:16 left, cutting UCLA’s lead to 17-15. However, a facemask penalty on UCLA nullified Oregon’s two-point conversion attempt, and the Ducks were stopped on their final drive after a fumble.

The nature of Iamaleava’s leg injury has not been confirmed, according to a team spokesperson ^[1].

UCLA now hosts Wisconsin, which had a bye this week, next Saturday. Oregon faces Nebraska, which lost 20-17 to Indiana earlier in the day ^[2]. The story was first reported by New York Post and ESPN.